Editor's note: The National Memorial Day for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre was established by law, embodying the nation’s solemn commitment to remembrance and reflection. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the memorial. Over the past decade, each memorial ceremony has been a call to remember the past and a plea for peace. In 2024, the Memorial Hall Media Center has launched a special feature titled “National Memorial Day·the 10th Anniversary” to reflect on the changes and constants in the memorial ceremonies of the past ten years, engraving this solemn tradition into the collective memory.

 From 2014 to 2023,

on December 13 of each year, during the National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims,

Nanjing youth representatives have recited the Declaration of Peace,

an enduring tradition in the memorial ceremony.

Like a baton,

it has been passed from generation to generation of Nanjing students...

The past ten years,

as the years roll by,

certain words in the Declaration of Peace have changed:

From “2014 National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims,”

to the “2023 National Memorial Day for Nanjing Massacre Victims.”

From “seventy-seven years of a glorious history,”

To “eighty-six years of a glorious history.”

The past ten years,

as the years roll by,

The number of reciting students has also grown

from 77 participants to 86.

The past ten years,

The emotional impact of the recitation remains unchanged.

The solemnity and weight of history

bring these young voices closer to the past.

The clear and stirring voice of recitation,

Like the soundtrack of growth,

Accompanies these teenagers through their high school years.

In 2014,

at the inaugural national memorial ceremony,

fifteen-year-old Huo Haohui and Guo Ning led the recitation,

As the music began,

Huo Haohui could no longer hold back his emotions.

“A steady resolve carried me forward,

thinking of those historical scenes,

the suffering endured by our nation.

My emotions rose and fell with the words I spoke.”

Guo Ning gazed at the number “300,000” ahead of her:

"Each of those 300,000 represents a life once lived.

As the north wind howled around us,

it felt like an unspoken accusation,

tension and emotion filled every word of the recitation.”

Huo Haohui (first from the right in the front row) and Guo Ning (second from the right in the front row), Photo by Li Xueren

In 2019,

Cui Zixin took the role of the lead reciter on the day of his 17th birthday.

December in Nanjing, the winter wind was frigid, chilling to the bone.

He said,

“Knowing that I was part of something so meaningful

filled me with pride and passion.”

Cui Zixin (second from the left in the front row), photo by Wan Chengpeng.

In 2021,

When 15-year-old Lv Yanfeng heard the National Memorial Ceremony Song playing,

he felt an overwhelming sense of unity.

“Thinking of how our compatriots were humiliated on this very land,

I felt extreme sorrow and indignation.

My emotions flowed naturally from within as I recited,

We were giving voice to the victims of the tragedy.”

Lv Yanfeng (first from the left in the front row), photo by Cui Xiao

In 2022,

the 17-year-old Le Xiaoyi was the lead reciter.

“I was carried by the emotions in the atmosphere.

When I recited the word 'blood' in ‘Blood-stained Yangtze River', my voice broke.

That break in my voice captured the devastation of that era,

resonating with everyone present.”

Le Xiaoyi (second from the left in the front row), photo by Wan Chengpeng

Year after year

A decade-long relay of recitation

has planted seeds of patriotism in the hearts of students.

These seeds have taken root,

bloomed, and borne fruit.

Three years of leading the recitation

have profoundly shaped Guo Ning's outlook on life and values.

When choosing her graduate studies after completing her bachelor's degree,

she consciously aligned her aspirations with the needs of the country,

and determined to pursue research in wireless communications.

Today,

She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Information and Communication Engineering at Wuhan University,

stepping closer to her goals with each passing day.

She says,

“‘Matters of national significance' should be etched in our hearts forever.”

Guo Ning (second from the left in the front row), photo by Cui Xiao

Three years of experience in leading the recitation

Became the spiritual pillar for Huo Haohui,

The desire to bring honor to the country always inspired him.

After completing his studies in the UK,

he returned to his hometown of Nanjing.

He says,

“The more I learn about history,

the more I feel that my roots

should be planted in the motherland, in Nanjing.”

Today,

He is pursuing a Ph.D. at Nanjing University,

aspiring to become a teacher.

He aspires to teach by personal example and storytelling,

sharing Nanjing’s history

and contributing to the preservation of historical memory.

Huo Haohui (first from the left in the front row), photo by Cui Xiao.

In the next decade,

more young people will grow and thrive...